Vice President, Indigenous Services
Job No:
98051
Location:
Vancouver
- Bring your senior leadership experience and Indigenous ancestry to this pivotal role!
- Pursuant to special program approval granted by the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal, this role is only open to persons of Indigenous ancestry
- Enjoy a competitive annual salary plus a comprehensive benefits package!
- Great opportunity to shape the direction of services that make a REAL difference in the lives of Indigenous people and communities in BC!
About the Organization
Since 1979, The Legal Services Society (LSS) has been the provider of legal aid in British Columbia. As a non-profit organization, our goal is to provide legal information, advice, and representation services to some of BC's most vulnerable and marginalized citizens: those who do not have the financial, educational, social or health resources to effectively access the justice system when their families, freedom, or safety are at risk. That being said, many of our services are available to all British Columbians and our scope of work ranges from family law, child protection, immigration, and criminal law.
Our mandate is to:
- Help people to solve their legal problems and to facilitate access to justice
- Establish and administer an effective and efficient system for providing legal aid to people in BC
- Provide advice to the Attorney General about legal aid and access to justice for people in BC
The LSS is funded by the provincial government, with additional support from the Law Foundation of BC and the Notary Foundation of BC. We're accountable to the public and remain independent of government. Please visit our website to find out more about the Legal Services Society.
About the Opportunity
The LSS currently has an exciting opportunity for a Vice President, Indigenous Services to join their executive team in Vancouver, BC.
Reporting to the CEO, you will plan, direct, and facilitate the operations of the new Indigenous Services Division. This includes managing Regional/Field offices and program and service delivery, and strategic development of major initiatives designed for Indigenous persons and communities.
Some of your key responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):
- Designing and operating LSS' Indigenous service delivery network, including the development and implementation of a new Indigenous Services Division portfolio, including major initiatives designed for Indigenous peoples and managing regional/Field offices
- Building relationships with external agencies and communities while incorporating the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (The Declaration) and Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)
- Developing and implementing business and strategic plans, LSS policies, and major initiatives
- Hiring, training, and evaluating Division staff, and also coaching, motivating, and providing leadership while engaging staff through effective leadership and team building
- Overseeing the work of consultants and negotiating contracts as required, as well as monitoring and approving work and applying LSS processes
- Managing and/or participating in special projects, making presentations, and acting as a resource to other divisions as required
- Developing the Division's consolidated operating budget and maintaining accountability for financial position and expense control within the approved budget and allocated spending authority
- Providing advice and guidance to the Chair, Board, CEO, and senior management on matters related to Division operations, programs, and services
- Advising the CEO on priorities and the impact and implications of key issues related to Division functions
- Developing strategies for staff resourcing and organizational development, including establishing staff performance standards, conducting performance reviews, and training/development plans
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with senior officials and staff in various external organizations, agencies, and communities and while representing LSS
Pursuant to special program approval granted by the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal, this role is only open to persons of Indigenous ancestry. The successful candidate will have a minimum of 10 years of experience in a progressive senior management position, including leadership experience in executive-level strategic planning, management, education, and community development.
Previous Family and Child protection experience is an asset, but not required. Similarly, practicing lawyers in BC are encouraged to apply. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
You will also possess:
- Extensive knowledge of traditional native justice concepts, alternative measures, mediation, and diversion practices
- A strong understanding of Indigenous issues, cultures, groups, and agencies, along with an understanding of current issues affecting Indigenous communities
- The ability to communicate with and relate to internal and external stakeholders, and build relationships with Indigenous leaders and community organizations with sensitivity to cultural and Tribal/Nation difference
- Familiarity with the structure and history of Indigenous communities within BC
- Knowledge of organizational, operational, and program management, public policy, and applicable provincial and national legislation relevant to Division activities
- Knowledge of financial and resource management principles and processes
- Knowledge of public legal information development, applications processing, community relations, marketing, customer service, and contract management principles
- Advanced skills in planning, organizing, analyzing, and administering processes initiatives and information
- The ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with strong project management skills and knowledge of analyzing and administering processing, initiatives, and information
- The ability to establish staff performance standards, conduct performance reviews, and establish staff training and development plans
You will also be an effective communicator who has strong facilitation, change management, and negotiation skills. Your active listening skills and ability to relate to various groups and individuals across all levels of organizations will serve you well in this role. Similarly, the ability to work independently and under pressure are essential.
This is a fantastic opportunity to have a real impact on the development and implementation of a new strategic Indigenous Services Division, and shape its future. Please note that some travel will be required.
About the Salary & Benefits
This is a fantastic opportunity to use your Indigenous leadership experience to make a difference in the lives of Indigenous people in BC. In return for your hard work and dedication, you will be rewarded with a highly competitive annual salary based on your skills and experience and comprehensive benefits including:
- Four weeks paid vacation to start that grows the longer you’re with LSS
- An excellent employee benefits package, where premiums are 100% paid by LSS
- A generous pension plan
- Support for training and development
- An employee and family assistance counseling program
- $300 a year towards Employee Wellness programs
- A healthy work/life balance
- Generous leave provisions (sick time, special leaves)
- 13 paid statutory/flex holidays
- Reserved parking spot
You will also be welcomed as an integral part of a friendly and collaborative team and have the opportunity to represent the team of LSS as a whole. If you're interested in making a real difference - Apply Now!